Is there a skills shortage in the UK?

There's still an IT skills shortage in the UK, according to preliminary results from silicon.com's 2006 Skills Survey.

Fifty-seven per cent of early respondents agree there's a shortage, though the majority - 64 per cent - are able to fill IT positions in their organisations.

As in previous years, programming languages are the technical skills most in need. For non-tech skills, project management is in highest demand while leadership is a close second.

This year's survey takes a special interest in outsourcing and just over half of respondents so far say IT departments have been forced to outsource to cut costs. Meanwhile more than two-thirds say bringing IT back in-house is a good way to handle a bad outsourcing relationship.

Do you agree? Disagree?

Make your voice heard. You can still take part in our annual Skills Survey. Survey respondents also have the chance to win a half case of champagne.

But the survey will be open for just a few more days so don't delay - tell us what you think about the UK IT workforce, current salaries, the importance of business versus technical skills and more.

Take the survey today and stay tuned for the full results right here on silicon.com.